Washing machine
A washing machine that will not drain is the single most common washing machine call-out. In most cases the cause is a blockage in the pump filter or drain hose, which you can clear yourself in about 15 minutes.
Symptom: Water left in the drum after the cycle · Typical cost: £70–£150 for a pump replacement including parts; filter clearing is free.
Coins, hair grips, bra wires and lint collect in the filter behind the small flap at the bottom front of the machine and stop water leaving the drum.
The fix:Switch off and unplug, lay towels and a shallow tray down, slowly unscrew the filter and let the water out, clear the debris and check the pump impeller behind it spins freely.
A kinked hose behind the machine or a blocked standpipe/trap stops water flowing away even when the pump works.
The fix:Pull the machine out, check the hose for kinks, detach it and flush it through. Make sure the hose is between 60 cm and 100 cm high.
If the pump hums but does not move water, or makes no noise at all, the pump motor or impeller has failed.
The fix:Replace the drain pump. It is one of the most common parts engineers fit.
A faulty sensor can make the machine think it is empty, or never trigger the drain stage.
The fix:Test and replace the pressure switch or have the board repaired.
Almost always a blocked filter, blocked hose or failed pump. Clear the filter first — it fixes the majority of cases.
£70–£150 for a pump replacement including parts; filter clearing is free.
If you can see leaks, smell burning, or the appliance is tripping the electrics, stop using it and unplug it. For minor faults without those signs it is usually safe to leave it off until you can diagnose it. Always switch off and unplug the appliance before inspecting it. Never work on gas appliances or fixed electrical wiring yourself — call a Gas Safe registered engineer or a qualified electrician.